Tony Xia hints Aston Villa signing in key position is all but done

Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has suggested that the club have secured the signing of a new midfielder.

The Midlands giants have been strongly linked with Crystal Palace stalwart Mile Jedinak over the last week and the Sun claim Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson is also on their radar.

Responding to a question on Twitter on Saturday about Villa’s midfielder search, club chief Xia revealed on his personal account that an unnamed player was “knocking on the door” and a deal had been “settled”.

TalkSport reporter Callum Williams last week stated that the Villa had tabled a bid for Jedinak.

The Australia international, 32, was recently replaced as Palace captain by manager Alan Pardew ahead of the new Premier League season.

Sky Sports reported on their website from Roberto Di Matteo’s press-conference prior to his side’s 3-0 home win against Rotherham, where he confirms that he is interested in bringing Jedinak to Villa Park.

It is said there has been contact with the Premier League club, but the situation has not advanced any further at this stage.

Australian Jedinak moved to Crystal Palace in 2011 and has become a firm fans’ favourite for his committed displays in midfield.

Former Palace manager Dougie Freedman installed him as captain, and he helped guide the club back to the Premier League under Ian Holloway in 2012-13 when was named the club’s player of the season.